2002 Chateau de la Maltroye Chassagne-Montrachet La Romanee, 1.5ltr

Chateau de la Maltroye is a 36-acre estate in Chassange-Montrachet. The estate is named for the 18th century chateau that presides over the property, which since the 1940s has been owned by the Cornut family. Today the estate is run by Jean-Pierre Cornut and includes Grand Cru parcels in Batard-Montrachet, Premier Cru Blanc and Rouge parrcels in Chassange-Montrachet, and Premier Cru Blanc and Rouge parcels in Santenay. Clive Coates writes that since Jean-Pierre took over in the 1990s, “quality is now high here.”

La Romanee is a 10-acre Premier Cru vineyard in Chassagne-Montrachet in Burgundy’s Cote de Beaune. It is one of 51 Premier Crus in the appellation and it lies between 250 and 300 meters. The vineyard faces southeast. Robert M. Parker Jr. has written that “Chassagne-Montrachet is a treasure trove for outstanding Premier Cru vineyards. In fact, certain Premiers Crus…often achieve Grand Cru status in quality if not in name.”

This white variety originated in Burgundy, but is now grown around the world. Its flexibility to thrive in many regions translates to wide flavor profile in the market. Chardonnay is commonly used in making Champagne and sparkling wines.